while I impatiently wait for the resolution of my house search, I can no longer sit back and watch an empty tank. SO... I am thinking of tossing something in my currently empty, former and future, discus tank. I am thinking I will build from the bottom up. since there is currently pool filter sand in there, I am wondering if there are any recommendations on some cool critter, that is amano shrimp friendly, and a sand shifter/burrower at the same time... other than MTS snails, that is? I appreciate any input!
hmm... you know, I have had my eye on german blue rams for quite some time. and interestingly enough... they make pretty good discus tankmates, for when that time comes!
Rams won't bother Amanos, amanos are too big. If they are mild enough tempered, they leave decent sized cherries alone, too - though this one is a some do, some don't sort of thing. Baby cherries.... say bye bye if they find them.
All you need is sand, Tanganyika salt, and escargot shells. They are about the same size as an Amano shrimp. But they like alkaline conditions. Wouldn't do well in a Discus tank.
well, the good thing is, I have an empty 45 I can us to transfer if necessary. let me consider these shell dwellers... I need to research them a bit. can the amano shrimp deal with the lake salt? can plants? thanks!
All you need is sand, Tanganyika salt, and escargot shells. They are about the same size as an Amano shrimp. But they like alkaline conditions. Wouldn't do well in a Discus tank.
There are mutual friends of Rich and myself that are keeping multi's, I think from the same CCA source as you, without salt at all - simply in ambient water, actually, and they are breeding. Is the salt something strictly required in your opinion?
Salt is not needed as long as you have at least moderate water conditions (pH above 7.0 and a little bit of hardness). Most cichlids are very adaptable (of course there are exceptions) and can live and breed in your tap water. If adult fish are not breeding when you think they should be, then you can start playing around with the water. Even then I would start with temperature changes and simulated wet and dry seasons before I added chemicals to the water.
